Popești-Leordeni vs Târgu Secuiesc

The half-time reset shifted the game's momentum. Popești-Leordeni emerged sharper after the break and Dane's goal in the 51st minute — the side's first real concerted spell of pressure — rewarded the improved intensity. Târgu Secuiesc, who had sat deep after their early goal, could not re-establish their first-half lead.

Alexandru Dane (Popești-Leordeni) — The striker scored the equaliser and was the standout player, providing the clinical finish his side lacked in the first half. The only goalscorer named in match coverage.

Popești-Leordeni backline (second half) — After conceding early, the defence tightened considerably after the interval, keeping a clean sheet in the second 45 minutes and allowing the midfield to push forward.

Târgu Secuiesc's early goal-scorer — The identity of the 9th-minute scorer was not published by official sources, but the early strike demonstrated the visitors' ability to punish a slow-starting Liga II opponent.

Player of the match: Alexandru Dane

The provider data records two goals from five total shots on target (approximate split), with Târgu Secuiesc's goal arriving in the first 10 minutes and Popești-Leordeni's reply in the 51st. The 1-0 half-time scoreline understates Popești-Leordeni's territorial advantage; the home side controlled possession but lacked penetration until Dane's intervention. The 1-1 draw was the most likely drawn scoreline at 9.1% probability according to pre-match data from Sports Mole, and the actual result aligned with the 20.37% chance of a draw.

Popești-Leordeni finished their Brașov camp with an unbeaten record across four friendlies: two wins (5-1 vs CSM Săcele on 11 July, 2-0 vs Olimpic Zărnești on 15 July) and two draws (1-1 vs ASA Târgu Mureș on 14 July, 1-1 vs KSE Târgu Secuiesc). The Liga II newcomers face two more friendlies before the competitive season starts — against Inter Ilfov on 22 July and CS Tunari on 25 July.

For Târgu Secuiesc (KSE Târgu Secuiesc), the draw provides a respectable result against a side from a higher division as they continue their own Liga III preparations.

A standard pre-season workout that told both sides more about squad depth than tactics. Popești-Leordeni's ability to grind out a result after going behind early is a useful trait, but the slow start against a third-tier opponent will give the coaching staff something to address before the Liga II opener.